Friday forecast: Wintry, wet in the West

Feb. 7, 2014
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by Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

by Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

For one of the few times this winter, the main weather action Friday will be in the West. Heavy snow is forecast in the Northwest, the Sierra and the Rockies, while rainshowers are likely across bone-dry California.

Some light rain is also expected in the Desert Southwest.

A few scattered showers are possible along the Gulf Coast, all the way from Texas to Florida. Some light snow showers and flurries could whiten parts of Oklahoma and northern Texas.

Very cold temperatures will again be the rule for most of the central and northeastern U.S., with highs only in the chilly teens, 20s and 30s in most locations.

Florida will remain the nation's warm spot, as high temperatures reach the 70s and 80s.

Weather history for Feb. 7: In 1971, a waterspout became a tornado in Gulf Breeze, Fla., injuring 112 people as it hit an apartment complex. In 1991, a record high temperature of 46 degrees occurred in International Falls,

In 1995, the low temperature in Melbourne, Fla., hit a record of 31 degrees. In 2003, a winter storm dumped almost a foot of snow on Boston.